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Why adoption is so important

The African elephant is synonymous with our founder, the late David Shepherd CBE. His paintings of his beloved jumbos inspired a new generation of conservationists and artists alike. Today, DSWF has forged a strong connection with elephants as we work to save this iconic species from extinction.

In as little as a century, the number of African elephants has plummeted from over 12 million to approximately 400,000. With severe declines of up to 62% over several decades. In some geographical regions, elephant populations have been reduced by as much as 90%.  

Killed by poachers for both bushmeat and to supply the illegal ivory trade, as well as being impacted by habitat loss, encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict, all elephants face an uncertain future.

When you adopt an elephant through David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, you’ll contribute directly to our vital frontline projects working to save this iconic species. 

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
£3 per month

Just £3 per month (or £36 one-off) could fund far-reaching community programmes in Zambia, promoting human-wildlife coexistence 

David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
£5 per month

Only £5 per month (or £47 one-off) could protect the elephants of Kafue National Park, by providing support and vital equipment to ground rangers and aerial patrols 

Young Elephant - Matt Armstrong-Ford
£10 per month

With £10 per month (or £60 one-off) you could provide an orphan elephant with essential medical and veterinary care 

DSWF Elephant Adoption Pack

What’s Included?

A Personalised Adoption Pack 

You’ll get a personalised certificate, species fact sheet, animal bio sheet, and a photograph. In addition we will send you bi-annual updates on our conservation work with your chosen species.

Wildlife Matters Magazine 

DSWF’s magazine, bringing you conservation news and updates on our work to fight wildlife crime and protect endangered species.

Elephant Print 

A stunning print of an African elephant sketch by the talented wildlife artist, Julie Rhodes. 

Elephant Toy 

For adoptions of £5 per month or £47 a year and over, you can also opt to receive a beautiful, handknitted toy crafted by the Little Ndaba women’s group in Zambia.

Physical adoption packs are only available within the UK (Digital packs are available internationally).  Parcels are sent 2nd class untracked with Royal Mail.

More than a toy.

Our adoption animal toys are made by the ladies of the Little Ndaba group in Zambia. They are ethically sourced 100% African cotton and are crocheted by over 100 women from remote villages across the country.

How Elephant Adoption Helps

When you sponsor an elephant, you help fund projects working with local communities to fight wildlife crime, reduce conflict, and raise awareness of the threats they face. In addition, your support can help us:

  • Fight to bring about an end to the illegal ivory trade through political change and on-the-ground enforcement to safeguard vulnerable populations
  • Protect key elephant habitats by funding and supporting wildlife rangers, putting their lives on the line to save elephants across their range
  • Engage at-risk communities living in close proximity to elephants, reducing conflict through education and support programmes
Artwork by Julie Rhodes
Adoption sketch, art, elephant

You can support our work to save endangered animals from extinction by adopting today.

How you can help these species in need of funding
40
%

of the world’s wildlife has been wiped out in the last 50 years.

1
m

species of plants, insects, and mammals are at risk of extinction.

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